Green Phantom Plecostomus (Hemiancistrus Subviridis)
When Green Phantom Plecos are juveniles, they are peaceful. However, as they age, they become more aggressive and territorial towards their species, especially the males.
The Green Phantom Pleco is better kept in aquariums with medium to large fish, alongside species that swim at different areas in the tank with few if any other bottom dwellers. In huge tanks, small groups can be kept together provided their rocky territories are specified when laying out the decor.
This Pleco is not recommended for the beginner aquarist rather an advanced fishkeeper with much experience as these fish require significant weekly water changes as they are intolerant to organic waste and need pristine water conditions.
The Green Phantom Plecos body colour varies from a dark yellow to a light olive green colour with yellow spots covering most of the body from the midsection towards the head as well as their dorsal, pectoral and ventral fins The other fins display yellow highlights. Their stomachs are transparent.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemiancistrus Subviridis |
| Other Names | Lemon Spotted Green Pleco |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Loricariidae |
| Genus | Hemiancistrus |
| Origins | Colombia, Venezuela |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | up to 8 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| TDS | 18 - 179 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 78 - 86℉ 25.6 - 30℃ | |
Natural Habitat
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Green Phantom Plecostomus will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is somewhat straightforward to distinguish males and females. Adult males usually develop a bulkier and broader, slightly flatter head and longer pectoral fins, and they will also be hairier, with more prominent dermal teeth and be somewhat larger than females.